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Schmeelk: Knicks Missed Opportunity To Steal One In Cleveland

By John Schmeelk
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The Knicks didn't embarrass themselves in Cleveland on Wednesday night when they played the defending Eastern Conference champions, but they did miss an opportunity to steal a game in which LeBron James was a virtual no-show before the fourth quarter.

The Knicks ran into a couple of problems that have plagued them during the Carmelo Anthony era that had been largely absent over the first four games of the season. The team played too slow, and for the second straight game the team had no fast-break points. They only shot 15 free throws and didn't get into the lane nearly enough. The fourth quarter turned into way too much iso-ball with Anthony. And finally, Anthony had his fourth poor shooting game in the first five games of the year while struggling defensively against James in the fourth quarter. He failed too often to get over picks and ended up switching poorly-equipped defenders onto the best player on the planet.

If the Knicks want a chance to be in the playoff conversation come the spring, regardless of what happens with the rest of the roster, Anthony has to start shooting the ball better. Without their star playing like one, the Knicks' entire plan for their roster construction will fall by the wayside. Thirty-six percent FG and 32 percent 3PT is not getting the job done.  By bringing in complementary players this offseason, they knew a lot of the offensive load was going to fall on Anthony's shoulders. It is way too early to have any real long-term concern regarding this offense, but even Anthony knows he has to play better.

Despite their overall impressive offensive showing so far this year (10th in offensive efficiency), the Knicks have had issues finding a consistent secondary scorer. Kristaps Porzingis, Langston Galloway and Robin Lopez have all filled the role in different games, but there isn't a lot of evidence to make you think that any of the three can consistently be that guy on a regular basis.

It makes the return of Arron Afflalo that much more important. He gives the first unit another offensive option besides Anthony, and someone you can dump the ball into the post to and get some points. He could also help improve an unathletic backcourt combination of Sasha Vujacic and Jose Calderon, who can't create their own shots or stay in front of more athletic players. The Knicks have been wise in bringing Afflalo back from the hamstring injury slowly, since that's the type of injury that can hamper a player for an entire season. But he is needed back if this Knicks team wants to be the type of team that Phil Jackson envisioned at the start of the season.

The fact that the Knicks are 2-3 through five games in which their star hasn't shot well and they were missing their projected second-best scorer, they should be pretty satisfied. Despite some issues that still need to be resolved (backcourt defense, secondary scoring, etc), the team plays hard, is unselfish and really seems to care about winning.  You can't ask for much more than that.

Schmeelk's Snippets

- Porzingis had another excellent game against the Cavs on Wednesday night, but once again he had his minutes limited by foul trouble. He hit a three-pointer, had another thunderous follow dunk and blocked a couple of shots. His jumper hasn't found itself yet, but the rest of his game is rounding into form. The next thing he needs to do is figure out how to be aggressive defensively but stay out of foul trouble. It's obvious how much better the team is when he is on the floor, especially defensively. He needs to be on the court for at least 25 minutes a game.

- Jerian Grant is the Knicks' best pick-and-roll player and penetrator, but he did hold the ball for long periods of time when he was in the game on Wednesday night. He plays like you would expect a five-year senior to play after he leaves college. He is polished.

- Right now Langston Galloway is probably the second-best player on the team. He is a positive in every part of the game, and is the Knicks' most consistent performer.

- Lopez played poorly on Wednesday night. He shot 3-for-9, grabbed only four rebounds, turned it over three times and was responsible for two defensive three-second calls. His play has been up and down to start the season. Averaging only 4.6 rebounds per game, even in 26 minutes, is inexcusable.  (Galloway is averaging more.)

- Derrick Williams is the team's fourth-leading scorer, but he is only playing 15 minutes per game. There still seems to be a lack of trust in his decision-making and defense, which is limiting his minutes. It also hurts that playing him with Anthony makes the Knicks' forward position terrible defensively.

- Calderon is shooting 28 percent. That must improve or he will never be a net positive when he is on the floor. Vujacic needs to be better than 21 percent from behind the arc, as well.

You can follow me on Twitter @Schmeelk for everything Knicks, Giants and New York sports.

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